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SOM Footwear

Coming mid-August! We are thrilled to announce that the Sense of Motion (SOM) outdoor shoe collection is joining the Softstar workshop in Philomath, Oregon. For over a decade, SOM footwear has been crafting barefoot shoes in Colorado, led by its passionate founder Olie Marchal and his close-knit team. These barefoot shoes were designed to tackle challenging terrains, from the long desert mountain runs to the demanding CrossFit challenges that Olie himself loves.

In 2025, Olie passed on the made-in-USA legacy of SOM to Softstar. This acquisition allows us to continue his commitment to quality and minimalist footwear, and we’re excited to bring an even wider variety of barefoot shoe options to you.

What Does the SOM Brand of Footwear Represent?

Founded in 2012, SOM is a pioneering brand in outdoor minimalist footwear. Their shoes are known for their lightweight build, roomy toe boxes for natural foot splay, and zero-drop soles. Built to tackle the rugged terrain of the Rockies, SOM styles are durable, secure, and designed for free movement—ideal for trail running, CrossFit, or everyday wear.

Why Did SOM Partner With Softstar?

After years of building a beloved brand, SOM Founders Olie and Nathalie were ready to move on to new adventures, focusing on their passions for endurance racing and travel. Both SOM and Softstar are committed to high-quality USA-based production, upholding sustainable practices, and fostering strong relationships with their customers and team members. With Softstar’s acquisition of SOM in 2025, Olie and Nathalie continue to partner with Softstar going forward in a supportive consulting role.

SOM Founder Olie jumping high on a sand dune Durable soles of SOM Footwear

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I have purchased over 8 pair of 'minimalist' shoes in the past 3 years...none of them felt like walking barefoot to me......until now. Your leather is soft your soles are flat and my foot is relaxed!!!"

Janet in Asheville North Carolina.

"My entire experience with Softstar has been nothing short of an amazing experience from beginning to end. Will not buy any other shoes...my feet no longer hurt at all."

Julie M. Oak Park, Ilinois

"This shoe is exactly what you would hope it to be. High quality leather and workmanship in a simple, natural stance running shoes made of all natural materials. Glad I found them."

Wayne B. Ann Arbor Michigan

"I've never had shoes that have fit as well as these or received as many compliments… I wish I had found them sooner!"

Kirsten Q, Bolton Connecticut

"There are no other shoes like Softstar - strong, comfortable, pretty - the best choice of minimal shoes one can get. Thank you for making our lives easier and wonderful!"

Michal Haogen, Israel

"I am loving these shoes! They are just lovely to have on the feet. And I am not easily impressed... There's nothing on the market that I know of that allows full toe splay! To me, it's a beautiful thing to let the toes move with absolute freedom in the shoe. I cannot do that with ANY OTHER of the barefoot shoes."

Richard Megagrip Primal RunAmoc

"I spent SO MANY years searching for a shoe to fit my feet. At last, you have given me such a shoe! I am convinced that had I met this shoe 30 years ago, I would not have the deformed feet I have now, nor would I have had surgery done on one of them. Abundant thanks for this design that honors my feet."

Turtle Primal Sawyer

"These shoes are absolute perfection… The toe box finally allows my pinky toe and big toe to splay naturally and has taken away all previous foot pain… My feet will accept nothing less now."

Kris Primal Sawyer

"Finally something I will wear to work that is truly foot shaped… I usually take my shoes off as soon as I arrive home. I was so comfortable in these that I didn't think about it, and I left them on for hours into the evening."

Finn Primal Merry Jane

"These are fantastic. Softstar showed themselves as the best minimal shoe company on the market with these. Functionally, they are the best fitting shoes I own, and they are the most stylish."

Ashley Primal Merry Jane

"Blown away. These should be the standard. I work at a physio clinic and see multiple people come in with foot pain (bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis) and it's mostly because of the effects of improper footwear over time... These shoes are the perfect solution."

Saul Primal RunAmoc

"These are the best shoes I've ever owned. FINALLY A TOE BOX SHAPED LIKE A HEALTHY FOOT… I can wear my toe separators in these without any squishing or pressure against the sides of the shoe. Finally, finally, finally... someone prioritized function over form in creating a shoe that feels great to wear."

Ben Primal RunAmoc
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